Certification of expanded function dental auxiliaries, extending the time limit for emergency rule procedures, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, and granting rule-making authority. (FE)

What it does

Summary by the Legislative Reference Bureau, the Legislature's nonpartisan drafting office. It's their wording, not ours.

This bill establishes a certification program for expanded function dental auxiliaries administered by the Dentistry Examining Board. Under the bill, a person who is not licensed as a dentist or as a dental hygienist may perform the following activities, as delegated and supervised by a licensed dentist, if the person is certified by the examining board as an expanded function dental auxiliary: 1) placing and finishing restoration material after a dentist prepares a tooth for restoration; 2) applying sealants; 3) coronal polishing; 4) impressions; 5) temporizations; 6) packing cord; 7) removing cement from crowns; 8) adjusting dentures and other removable oral appliances; 9) removing sutures and dressings; 10) supragingival scaling; and 11) applying topical fluoride, fluoride varnish, or similar dental topical agent. The bill authorizes the examining board to promulgate rules for the certification and practice of expanded function dental auxiliaries, but prohibits the examining board from promulgating rules that allow an expanded function dental auxiliary to cut hard or soft tissue, diagnose, or plan treatments.

The examining board may grant a permanent certification as an expanded function dental auxiliary to an applicant who, among other things, has practiced as a dental assistant for a certain period, completes an accredited instructional program, and is proficient in cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Under the bill, the examining board investigates, holds hearings, and makes findings pertaining to violations of the bill and other statutes enforced by the examining board, and the examining board may impose on violators the same penalties that apply under current law to dentists and dental hygienists.

Who's behind it

11 senators are its authors⁠. 8 are Republicans and 3 are Democrats.

25 more lawmakers signed on in support⁠.

What it would cost

State agencies filed a cost estimate. Each opens as a PDF from the Legislature.

• Fiscal Estimate From DSPS

Versions and amendments

Every text the Legislature printed for this bill, including proposed changes. Each opens on the Legislature's site.

• Amendment Histories
• LC Amendment Memo